Author(s): Hamish McRae

Current Affairs & Politics

A lively, engaging and counterintuitive exploration of success stories from across the globe, and what Michelle Obama referred to as 'the flimsy difference between success and failure'. In this lively and counterintuitive exploration of success stories from across the globe, award-winning journalist Hamish McRae takes the reader on a fascinating journey in pursuit of the flimsy difference between triumph and failure. Why do some initiatives take off while others flounder? How have some communities managed to achieve so much while others struggle? What distinguishes the good companies from the bad? What lessons can we learn from the surprisingly well-ordered Mumbai community made famous by 'Slumdog Millionaire'? Why have Canadian manners helped Whistler become the most popular ski resort in North America? How has Zurich developed the world's most admired anti-drug policies? And how has Hong Kong used gambling profits to help its residents enjoy the greatest level of economic freedom on the planet? Drawing life lessons from the great ideas put to work on every continent -- from America to Europe, from Africa to Asia and Australasia -- McRae's stories are as surprising as they are inspiring. We are better placed now than we have ever been to make good choices about the future of our species and our planet. But if we are to face the many challenges ahead, we have to try to learn from each other. 'What Works' will leave you entertained, informed and, ultimately, enlightened as to what each of us can do to make successes of our businesses, our communities and our lives. Review: 'Hamish McRae's study of winning organisations around the world is very much not in the dogmatic style of tomes by American management gurus!McRae's approach is altogether more whimsical -- and this makes his little sermons on the nature of success much more of a pleasure to read.!The BBC does not qualify for entrance into McRae's hall of fame, but I insist that our national broadcasting monolith immediately commission McRae to do a series based on this bracingly upbeat!book! We could all do with cheering up; and it would be nice, for a change, to have an economist on our screens with a smile on his face.' Dominic Lawson, Sunday Times 'Each case study is lean and precisely crafted!McRae deserves credit for writing a can-do anthology in defeatist times.' Observer '[McRae] has picked a difficult subject!withholding deep analysis in return for making What Works broad, accessible and colourful!seeing the markers of success as far more than balance sheets and statistics. It's good to have a book that shows faith in people.' Independent on Sunday 'Optimistic yet realistic, humane yet incisive, Hamish McRae's inspiring and wide-ranging book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand what works, what doesn't, and why.' Tim Harford, author of 'The Undercover Economist' Praise for 'The World in 2020': 'I read Hamish McRae's book with great pleasure and benefit. Vividly written without any jargon or cliches, it is ideal for anyone who needs to think clearly about the world's future' Anthony Sampson First published 2010.